Charity urges government to make this the last time clocks go back

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As the clocks go back, Brake, the road safety charity, and partner Autoglass are urging the government to make this the last time, by putting the clocks forward by an hour year-round to make our roads safer.

This would mean lighter evenings and more daylight hours during most people's waking hours which the charity predicts would prevent an estimated 450 deaths and serious injuries a year, and deliver a host of environmental, health and economic benefits.

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A survey released today by Autoglass reveals two thirds of people (67%) agree it would make roads safer. If implemented, a 'Daylight Saving Bill' currently going through Parliament would require the government to review and act upon evidence on the impact of such a change. Read about the Lighter Later campaign.

In the meantime, drivers are urged to be extra vigilant and look out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially children on their way home. Brake is highlighting that slowing down to 20mph in communities can be a life-saver, giving you a good chance of stopping in time in an emergency, such as if an unseen child steps out - all the more important on dark evenings.

Brake and Autoglass are working with communities across the UK to raise awareness about the need for drivers to take extra care, and to encourage pedestrians and cyclists to wear bright, reflective clothing, through Bright Days. The initiative also raises vital funds for Brake's work campaigning for safer roads and caring for families devastated by road death and injury. Schools, organisations and community groups are being urged to sign up for a Bright Day now at www.brake.org.uk/brightday.

Research by Autoglass out today finds that while 79% of people know dressing brightly helps to increase your visibility, nearly half (49%) don't follow their own advice and dress brightly when walking or cycling in the winter months.

Five people are killed and 65 are seriously injured every day on UK roads. Deaths and serious injuries among pedestrians rise as we enter the autumn and winter months, with darker evenings and bad weather affecting drivers' ability to spot them.

Julie Townsend, Brake campaigns director, said: â€œAs the dark evenings draw in it is even more important that drivers keep a look out for vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists, and slow down to 20mph in communities. This means you have a far better chance of stopping in time is you need to - such as if an unseen child steps out.

â€œWhen the clocks go back the risk to pedestrians and cyclists increases. This out-dated system needs to be changed, which is why we support the Lighter Later campaign for the clocks to be put forward year-round. If the government acts now, and makes this the last time the clocks go back, it will prevent needless suffering among hundreds of families each year, and deliver environmental and economic benefits.â€

Read about Brake's campaign to put the clocks forward.